The NCAA Women’s Division I Frozen Four will consist of more than just hockey games.
Starting with the sold-out Welcome Banquet March 17, the tournament features events that complement the semifinal doubleheader on March 18 and championship game on March 20 at Tullio Arena.
USA Hockey’s Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Ceremony & Brunch is set for March 19 at 10 a.m. at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. The award, named after the former standout at Princeton (1981-86) who lost her battle with a rare blood disease in 1990 at age 28, honors the nation’s top women’s player.
Last year, Vicki Bendus became the first Mercyhurst College player to capture the award. She joined an exclusive group that includes seven Olympians. This year’s nominees will be unveiled in February.
Tickets for the event can be purchased by contacting Yevet Anderson at (814) 450-7008. They cost $65 for individual seats, $300 for a half table (five seats) and $600 for a full table (10 seats).
Young girls can participate in one of two free hockey clinics on March 19 at Mercyhurst Ice Center.
Girls ages 4-10 currently playing hockey can enjoy instruction from members of USA Hockey’s American Development Model staff from 3-4 p.m. at the NCAA/USA Hockey Girls Clinic. Those interested can register by e-mail at eriehockey@earthlink.net.
Girls ages 4-12 can experience hockey from 4-5 p.m. in the Girls Try Hockey Free Program. No skating or hockey experience is necessary to participate. Equipment and skates will be provided for free. Visit www.usahockey.com/erietryhockeygirls to register or contact Anderson for more information.
On the same day, the Alumnae Hockey Game for former women’s college players will begin at 6 p.m. at Tullio Arena. Admission is free.
Meanwhile, coaches wishing to earn their next level of Coaching Education and Certification can attend the USA Hockey National High Performance Coaching Workshop on March 19 and 20 at Courtyard by Marriott’s Crystal Ballroom. Visit www.usahockey.com and click on Coaching Clinics to register.
All-session tickets to the tournament, which covers all three games, cost $50 for adults and $40 for students. They can be purchased at the Tullio Arena box office (814-425-4857), Mercyhurst Ice Center (814-824-2277) and through TicketMaster (www.ticketmaster.com).
Frozen Four schedule
March 17
7 p.m. – Welcome banquet (sold out)
March 18
5 p.m. – Semifinal No. 1, Tullio Arena
8 p.m. – Semifinal No. 2, Tullio Arena
March 19
8:30 a.m. – USA Hockey National High Performance Coaching Workshop, Courtyard by Marriott’s Crystal Ballroom
10 a.m. – Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Ceremony & Brunch, Erie Bayfront Convention Center
* Tickets cost $65 for individual seats, $300 for a half table (five seats), $600 for a full table (10 seats)
3-4 p.m. – NCAA/USA Hockey Girls Clinic, Mercyhurst Ice Center (girls playing hockey ages 4-10)
4-5 p.m. – Girls Try Hockey Free Program, Mercyhurst Ice Center (girls ages 4-12)
6 p.m. – Alumnae Hockey Game, Tullio Arena
March 20
8:30 a.m. – USA Hockey National High Performance Coaching Workshop, Courtyard by Marriott’s Crystal Ballroom
2 p.m. – Championship game, Tullio Arena
